Eagles even younger, look to utilize talent in spaces

Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 1:55 pm

Ending last season on a four-game losing streak is something that the Washington & Lee Eagles would like to move forward and forget. Finishing the season in the first round of the state playoffs, second-year head coach Antron Yates is hoping the Eagles will show signs of improvement especially with an even younger group of talent.

“Because we are young I think we’re in a good position to get better each and every week, and that’s the goal,” Yates said.

Washington & Lee Eagles

Six out of the seven returners on our front seven on defense will be the heart and soul of this team, Yates said, adding that he is expecting a lot from that group including senior linebackers Milan Bullock and Kaleel Pratt, and junior linemen Kenneth Ashdown and Markeyse Thompson.

Yates said he plans to make some changes on offense from the traditional running game due to the talent on the team. Instead he will be looking to a spread formation and multiple others.

“We’re looking to get more people in space, create matchups for us rather than run the ball down peoples throats,” Yates said.

The quarterback position still remains up for grabs, Yates said. Listed at quarterback so far is juniors Treshaun Brown and Chris Graham.

Two players to watch are wide receivers Davon Hamilton and Alex Lane, Yates said, predicting great opportunities for the two this season.

The Eagles ended the season with an overall record of 5-6, 2-3 in the district after falling in the first round of the eastern sectional playoffs.

Get started with the upcoming school year by picking up a copy of the high school fall sports showcase tab due out Sept. 4. Additional football team previews are also available in Northumberland Echo featuring Northumberland and Lancaster, and Essex and Rappahannock in the Northern Neck News.